Ukraine has demanded the immediate release of its sailors who were apprehended at sea on Sunday by Russian naval forces following a confrontation.
Russian coastguard ships opened fire on Sunday as two Ukrainian gunboats and a tug sailed through the Kerch Strait off the coast of Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.
24 Ukrainians were detained and at least three were wounded in the incident.
Ukraine described it as an “act of aggression” but Russia said the ships had illegally entered its waters.
“Russia has de facto expanded its military aggression against Ukraine to the sea,” said a statement by Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs ministry.
“Ukraine demands to provide urgent medical assistance to the wounded and to ensure their immediate safe return home.”
“Ukraine also demands to return the captured navy ships and to compensate for the damage caused,” it added.
Ukraine urged its allies and partners to provide it with military assistance to protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty within the internationally recognized borders.
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